A retractable runway edge sheave for use in an aircraft arresting system. The arresting system functions to extend a cable across a runway for capture by a tailhook of an aircraft. The retractable runway edge sheave is designed to raise and lower the cable. The disclosed system may also feature a ramping system.
An arresting cable retraction mechanism for use across an aircraft runway. The retraction mechanism functions to extend a cable across a runway (for capture by a tailhook of an aircraft) without causing the cable to recede below the runway surface during an aircraft rollover/deflection event. The arresting cable retraction mechanism is also designed to help prevent damage to a retraction motion actuator due to high speed aircraft rollover. The disclosed system separates components related to retraction vs. deflection due to rollover, such that rollover events do not affect or load the motion actuator used for retraction.
A retractable runway edge sheave for use in an aircraft arresting system. The arresting system functions to extend a cable across a runway for capture by a tailhook of an aircraft. The retractable runway edge sheave is designed to raise and lower the cable. The disclosed system may also feature a ramping system.
An arresting cable retraction mechanism for use across an aircraft runway. The retraction mechanism functions to extend a cable across a runway (for capture by a tailhook of an aircraft) without causing the cable to recede below the runway surface during an aircraft rollover/deflection event. The arresting cable retraction mechanism is also designed to help prevent damage to a retraction motion actuator due to high speed aircraft rollover. The disclosed system separates components related to retraction vs. deflection due to rollover, such that rollover events do not affect or load the motion actuator used for retraction.
Embodiments relate to aircraft arresting systems that use a net or a cable that extends across a section of a runway. Ends of the net or cable are secured to an elongated tape, which is secured to and forms a part of an energy absorbing brake system. The elongated tape is secured around a tape reel and is allowed to reel out (or "pay out") once the aircraft is engaged. Described is a system (10) for adjusting the height of the tape such that its elevation can be altered between the point at which it leaves the energy absorbing brake system and when it reaches the aircraft runway.
Embodiments relate to aircraft arresting systems that use a net or a cable that extends across a section of a runway. Ends of the net or cable are secured to an elongated tape, which is secured to and forms a part of an energy absorbing brake system. The elongated tape is secured around a tape reel and is allowed to reel out (or “pay out”) once the aircraft is engaged. Described is a system for adjusting the height of the tape such that its elevation can be altered between the point at which it leaves the energy absorbing brake system and when it reaches the aircraft runway.
Embodiments of the present invention provide improvements to UAV launching systems. The disclosed launching system eliminates the use of hydraulic fluid and compressed nitrogen or air by providing an electric motor-driven tape that causes movement of a shuttle along a launcher rail. The shuttle is detachable from the motor-driven tape, such that stoppage of the tape can be separate from stoppage of the shuttle. Embodiments further provide a secondary arrestment strap. Further embodiments provide an anti-rollback latch system.
Systems and methods for providing aircraft braking signal alerts for aircraft are described including a first braking condition signal generated by a first aircraft (12) or a control station (16). The first braking condition signal may include, for example, a timestamp, an airfield identifier, a runway identifier, and/or first braking condition information. A runway to be used by a second aircraft (14) may be determined automatically, and a determination made regarding the relevance of the first braking condition information to the second aircraft. A braking alert signal for the second aircraft may be generated and/or updated based on the first braking condition information, and a visual indicator (7) may be presented to an operator of the second aircraft based on the braking alert signal. The first braking condition information may be overwritten based on a second braking condition signal received from a third aircraft or the control station.
B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
B64D 45/04 - Landing aidsSafety measures to prevent collision with earth's surface
G01C 23/00 - Combined instruments indicating more than one navigational value, e.g. for aircraftCombined measuring devices for measuring two or more variables of movement, e.g. distance, speed or acceleration
Embodiments of the present invention provide improvements to UAV launching systems. The disclosed launching system eliminates the use of hydraulic fluid and compressed nitrogen or air by providing an electric motor-driven tape that causes movement of a shuttle along a launcher rail. The shuttle is detachable from the motor-driven tape, such that stoppage of the tape can be separate from stoppage of the shuttle. Embodiments further provide a secondary arrestment strap. Further embodiments provide an anti-rollback latch system.
Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide systems and methods for arresting aircraft. In specific embodiments, the systems and methods can be useful in arresting light aircraft because they typically do not have the weight to penetrate available EMAS systems. The system is generally provided as a structure having a suspended layer of energy absorbing material. A lower portion of the system can have a lower strength, used as a method to suspend an upper, stronger/more highly energy absorbent portion of the system.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to composite materials for use as a vehicle arresting system (also referred to as an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS). Specific embodiments may use modified polymeric foams composites. The polymeric foams may include additives, coatings, combinations of both, or other features than render them useful for an EMAS. The polymeric foams may also have one or more modified surfaces that provide a protective crust. For example, the one or more surface may be modified by application of heat in order to help close the polymeric foam cells and/or to create an encapsulative surface. These features can provide enhanced weather resistance, fire resistance, moisture absorption, jet blast resistance, improve their energy absorbing properties, or other desired features.
C08J 9/34 - Chemical features in the manufacture of articles consisting of a foamed macromolecular core and a macromolecular surface layer having a higher density than the core
Arresting fence system (10) that is deployable in order to bring a traveling vehicle to a stop through controlled deceleration. An arresting system, including an arrestor net (24), an energy absorber (32), and a release mechanism(40) is integral to a gate carriage (12) that may be movable in order to position the fence system in the desired position. The gate carriage (12) can be incorporated into a new or existing fence (50) to restrict access to a desired location.
E01F 13/12 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades for forcibly arresting or disabling vehicles, e.g. spiked mats
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to safe arrestment and recovery of an airborne unmanned air vehicle (UAV). Specific embodiments provide a 360 degree capture engagement cage (12) that can recover a UAV approaching from any direction. The systems described herein may be used regardless of wind direction. The systems described herein may also be used as an air-only based system. Other embodiments may be used as including both an upper and lower tether (22) for the engagement cage.
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to safe arrestment and recovery of an airborne unmanned air vehicle (UAV). Specific embodiments provide a 360 degree capture engagement cage that can recover a UAV approaching from any direction. The systems described herein may be used regardless of wind direction. The systems described herein may also be used as an air-only based system. Other embodiments may be used as including both an upper and lower tether for the engagement cage.
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to macro-patterned materials and methods of their use in connection with vehicle arresting systems. Certain embodiments provide 3-D folded materials, honeycombs, lattice structures, and other periodic cellular material structures, that can be used for arresting vehicles. The materials can be engineered to have properties that allow them to reliably crush in a predictable manner under pressure from a vehicle. The materials can be formed into various shapes and combined in various ways in order to provide the desired properties.
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for vehicle arresting systems made from low-density particles and appropriate binders. The systems are designed to provide a barrier or a bed that is placed at the end of a runway or at the edge of a highway that will predictably and reliably crush (or otherwise deform) under the pressure of vehicle wheels traveling off the end of the runway or the edge of the road.
Embodiments of the present invention provide improvements to UAV launching systems. The disclosed launching system eliminates the use of hydraulic fluid and compressed nitrogen or air by providing an electric motor-driven tape that causes movement of a shuttle along a launcher rail.
Embodiments of the present invention provide improvements to UAV launching systems. The disclosed launching system eliminates the use of hydraulic fluid and compressed nitrogen or air by providing an electric motor-driven tape that causes movement of a shuttle along a launcher rail.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a core of individual components (10) having properties such that a system assembled from the components absorbs the kinetic energy of a moving vehicle. The components (10) may be interlocking components. The components may be manufactured of ceramic or polymeric composite or other materials that are strong enough to absorb the vehicle's energy and help stop the vehicle safely by the system's ability to crush or deform upon impact, and not so strong that it causes the vehicle to crumple against the barrier. In one particular embodiment, the components may be modified packing elements that are traditionally used in gas to liquid columns.
B64F 1/02 - Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations for arresting aircraft, e.g. nets or cables
E01C 9/00 - Special pavingsPavings for special parts of roads or airfields
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollardsArrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
20.
STABILIZED AGGREGATES AND OTHER MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES FOR PURPOSES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ENERGY ABSORPTION
Described are materials (14) and structures (10) for absorbing energy. The materials (14) and structures (10) are well suited for arresting aircraft and other vehicles, although their purposes need not be so limited. Also detailed are packaging and other solutions for maintaining system integrity, especially (but not exclusively) when foam glass or other aggregate is employed.
Embodiments of the invention provide a gravity-lowered net that is housed above the surface onto which it is to be used, and is lowered by sliding weights that position the net to the correct height for use. Certain embodiments of the nets may be provided with one or more energy absorber elements associated with the net, which help enhance the energy absorptive capabilities of the net.
E01F 13/12 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades for forcibly arresting or disabling vehicles, e.g. spiked mats
A gravity-lowered net (12) that is housed above the surface onto which it is to be used, and is lowered by sliding weights (20) that position the net to the correct height for use. Certain embodiments of the nets may be provided with one or more energy absorber elements (50) associated with the net, which help enhance the energy absorptive capabilities of the net.
E01F 13/02 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades free-standing
E01F 13/04 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades movable to allow or prevent passage
E01F 13/12 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades for forcibly arresting or disabling vehicles, e.g. spiked mats
Detailed are assistive mechanisms for vehicle operators designed to reduce risks associated with degraded landing and other situations. Some mechanisms may include a display with a visual indicator located within the peripheral field of view of an operator. Aural alerts may also be employed. Information suggesting degradation of, for example, ground deceleration performance may alert the operator to perform unusual or abnormal actions to mitigate hazards produced by the performance degradation.
B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
G01C 23/00 - Combined instruments indicating more than one navigational value, e.g. for aircraftCombined measuring devices for measuring two or more variables of movement, e.g. distance, speed or acceleration
Detailed are assistive mechanisms for vehicle operators designed to reduce risks associated with degraded landing and other situations. Some mechanisms may include a display with a visual indicator located within the peripheral field of view of an operator. Aural alerts may also be employed. Information suggesting degradation of, for example, ground deceleration performance may alert the operator to perform unusual or abnormal actions to mitigate hazards produced by the performance degradation.
B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
G01C 23/00 - Combined instruments indicating more than one navigational value, e.g. for aircraftCombined measuring devices for measuring two or more variables of movement, e.g. distance, speed or acceleration
A catch fence for halting the overrun of a car leaving a racetrack, comprising at least two pivotable poles, each pole comprising a pivot point along the pole or at its base; at least one cable extending between the at least two poles; and at least one portion of net or fencing installed between the poles, supported by the at least one cable.
Vehicle restraints and fence systems that offer better protection to the driver and vehicle in the event of an accident where the car becomes airborne and leaves the road or track, and catch fences for halting the overrun of a car leaving a racetrack. The catch fences may have pivotable poles and a cable extending between the poles. Net or fencing is installed between the poles, supported by the cable. The poles may be angled or curved, with a plurality of cables extending therebetween or with a net extending from the poles and attached to a Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barrier.
E01F 15/00 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollardsArrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollardsArrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
E01F 15/06 - Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of cables, nettings or the like
27.
Systems and methods of improving or increasing information concerning, particularly, runway conditions available to pilots of landing aircraft
Addressed are systems and methods for providing to pilots of landing aircraft real-time (or near real-time) information concerning runway conditions and aircraft-stopping performance to be encountered upon landing. The systems and methods contemplate using more objective data than utilized at present and providing the information in automated manner. Information may be obtained by using conventional ground-based runway friction testers or, advantageously, by using air-based equipment such as (but not limited to) unmanned aerospace vehicles (UAVs).
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
Systems and methods for arresting vehicles or other moving objects are detailed. The systems may be bi-directional, so as to arrest vehicles on either side of a barrier. They additionally may be reset for reuse relatively rapidly following deployment and comprise mechanical controllers for facilitating suitable deformation of the barriers. Modular slotted beams also may be employed to accommodating differing widths and crowns of roadways.
E01F 13/02 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades free-standing
E01F 13/04 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades movable to allow or prevent passage
E01F 13/12 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades for forcibly arresting or disabling vehicles, e.g. spiked mats
Systems and methods for arresting vehicles or other moving objects are detailed. The systems may be bi-directional, so as to arrest vehicles on either side of a barrier. They additionally may be reset for reuse relatively rapidly following deployment and comprise mechanical controllers for facilitating suitable deformation of the barriers. Modular slotted beams also may be employed to accommodating differing widths and crowns of roadways.
E01F 13/12 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades for forcibly arresting or disabling vehicles, e.g. spiked mats
E01F 15/06 - Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of cables, nettings or the like
30.
CELLUAR PHOSPHATE CERAMICS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE
Embodiments of the present invention provide cellular phosphate bodies formed using specialized steps to ensure a specific strength range, and specifically a compressive strength less than 100 pounds per square inch. Further embodiments relate to uses for various phosphate ceramics as vehicle arresting systems.
C04B 35/447 - Shaped ceramic products characterised by their compositionCeramic compositionsProcessing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on oxides based on phosphates
C04B 38/10 - Porous mortars, concrete, artificial stone or ceramic warePreparation thereof by using foaming agents
C04B 28/34 - Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing inorganic binders or the reaction product of an inorganic and an organic binder, e.g. polycarboxylate cements containing cold phosphate binders
C04B 35/626 - Preparing or treating the powders individually or as batches
E01C 9/00 - Special pavingsPavings for special parts of roads or airfields
31.
FIELD STRENGTH TEST DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INSTALLED ENGINEERED MATERIAL ARRESTING SYSTEMS
Embodiments of the present invention provide field test devices and methods for testing the compressive gradient strength of installed vehicle arresting systems, such as those installed on airport runways. Current methods of testing such arresting systems are conducted on sample materials in-house, and these methods are not applicable or useful when tests need to be conducted on currently-installed systems in the field.
Addressed are systems and methods for providing to pilots of landing aircraft real-time (or near real-time) information concerning runway conditions and aircraft-stopping performance to be encountered upon landing. The systems and methods contemplate using more objective data than utilized at present and providing the information in automated manner. Information may be obtained by using conventional ground-based runway friction testers or, advantageously, by using air-based equipment such as (but not limited to) unmanned aerospace vehicles (UAVs).
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
G08B 21/00 - Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
Aircraft arresting beds at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units for that and other applications and which are resistant to such effects are described, with related methods.
Addressed are systems and methods for providing to pilots of landing aircraft real-time (or near real-time) information concerning runway conditions and aircraft-stopping performance to be encountered upon landing. The systems and methods contemplate using more objective data than utilized at present and providing the information in automated manner. Information may be obtained by using conventional ground-based runway friction testers or, advantageously, by using air-based equipment such as (but not limited to) unmanned aerospace vehicles (UAVs).
Systems and methods for arresting vehicles or other moving objects are detailed. The systems may be bi-directional, so as to arrest vehicles on either side of a barrier. They additionally may be reset for reuse relatively rapidly following deployment.
E01F 13/12 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades for forcibly arresting or disabling vehicles, e.g. spiked mats
E01F 13/04 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades movable to allow or prevent passage
Systems and methods for arresting vehicles or other moving objects are detailed. The systems may be bi-directional, so as to arrest vehicles on either side of a barrier. They additionally may be reset for reuse relatively rapidly following deployment.
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